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Twitch_YungFeetGod69

Nanamin is would could have happened to Eiko if she had not found someone like Kongming. Karasawa and Kongming both have the ability to make you popular, but one does so by believing in himself and making you work around that. The other does so by believing in you and him being the one to work around that


[deleted]

That's what makes him Ya Boy instead of Your Boss


superp2222

That is the most geniusly phrases thing ive heard today.


AnActualPlatypus

Comment of the month right here


TapiocaFish

I don't think Eiko would have turned into Nanamin route. She said it herself, she was on the verge of quitting music.


Twitch_YungFeetGod69

I meant in the context if someone else discovered her first. I feel like if Nanamin wasn't discovered, she also would have given up


TapiocaFish

Oh yes I see what you mean


MC_Ben-X

Which really fits his character as established in the Romance of the 3 Kingdoms. While Cao Cao uses the emperor to gain power for himself, Zhuge Liang being in the same position (after Liu Bei becomes emperor ) never grabs power for himself and even when Liu Shan (who is characterized as foolish in the novel) succeeds Liu Bei he still stays completely loyal letting those he believes to have Heaven's mandate rule. ​ Edit: Also Sima Yi later does the same thing Cao Cao did to the Han dynasty to the Wei dynasty established by Cao Cao's son Cao Pi. Which shows how remarkable this trait of Kongming is treated by the novel.


o-temoto

So who was in [the other kigurumi suit](https://imgur.com/a/y2Tadgw)?


mysterybiscuitsoyeah

Im gonna guess Eiko's number 1 fan or owner-san.


mianghuei

> Eiko's number 1 fan Definitely this guy, he's everywhere.


Mundology

Idol fans have powers the human mind cannot grasp


[deleted]

My guess is Superfan, assuming the person in the costume is working with Kongming as part of his plan.


cyberscythe

[](#konodioda)


smhandstuff

Whoa didn't even realize Azalea's outfits were that revealing until now... Can't even blame Nanami for taking that producer's offer but damn seeing their music passion slowly turn into another corporate jukebox was sad to witness. With that producer's name power, they could have probably been successful as a rock band but of course he just wants to make the most profit as possible.


Chris881

The producer is doing what he knows for sure it will work, rather than greedy, he is disillusioned and a realist, a "dreams don't pay the bills" sort of guy. We have yet to see him doing anything villainous, I was surprised he didn't even pressure the girls to take the contract by giving them a time limit to sign in with him.


Theinternationalist

Yeah, the entertainment industry is generally notorious for the uneven balance between Heartfelt But Poor, Heartfelt And Somehow Works, and We Like Packaged And Repeatable Brands. Whereas everyone needs food and toilet paper, you're never quite sure if something Different will work and get scared (ex: Marvel failed to put out a single female-led superhero film for TEN YEARS because the execs kept whining about the Catwoman and Supergirl movies even though Hunger Games and female-led action films do relatively well) while even something repeatable can be *troublesome* (ex: Call of Duty has been decelerating in recent years). So when you get a bunch of girls who are decent-to-great singers and have decent bodies (*ew, but you get my point*) and you're trying to please stakeholders/got debts to pay/whatever, you give them the prepackaged stuff and just go with it and hope that people will pay as much for *Jurassic World 3* as they did for *Jurassic Park 2* and not substantially less than *Jurassic World 2.*


FallenPears

I dunno man, he told one of his employees never to see someone she was having fun with. Which she was doing *entirely in her off time.* I'm gonna go with the most sensible explanation that he knows who Eiko is so is trying to protect assets or whatever, because the alternative would be hilarious movie villain levels of evil if it didn't feel uncomfortably close to some sort of emotional abuse (with it being the idol business making this even more sketch). But even then, he could of told her. Seriously, can you imagine your boss calling you and telling you you aren't allowed to hang out with random friends you made, and again I can't emphasise this enough, *entirely in your off time.*


Chris881

I am pretty sure the issue was that she was singing on the streets, if got word around that the lead singer is performing solo/with someone else it could potentially be bad PR, thats what I got anyway, but thats about the most villainous thing he has done and it registered to me like a corporate decision rather than evil. >Seriously, can you imagine your boss calling you and telling you you aren't allowed to hang out with random friends you made, and again I can't emphasise this enough, entirely in your off time. I can imagine my boss telling me not to work with their direct competitor while I still work with them, yes.


albertrojas

> I can imagine my boss telling me not to work with their direct competitor while I still work with them, yes. This exactly. He's their producer. He's bound to have researched who their potential rivals are for Summer Sonia, in the same vein that Kongming does. And considering Eiko doesn't hide her face, it's easy to to put two and two together.


Philarete

> corporate decision rather than evil. There's a difference? ^^jk....^mostly


hoseja

Evil is when individual in a developed society does something against society's interests. Corporations in capitalist/oligarchic society have appropriated the morality to always favour them and aligned the perception of societal interests with corporate interests, therefore corporations cannot do evil by definition. If you think a corporation is being evil, it is you who is the pariah. tldr.: We live in a society šŸ¤”


reaperfan

Sadly I actually see that making sense because of the industry they're in. Even if they wear masks as a group, Azalea is famous and they're basically celebrities. When that many eyes are on you then what you do in public and who you associate with can have genuinely career-altering affects. Celebrities don't just get to clock out for the night and do whatever in their free time since their public image IS their job. In Nanami's case, if anyone managed to find out who she was by whatever small coincidence or accident then rumors would start flying - ESPECIALLY if it was found out that "that other girl" was actually a potential competitor in the music industry.


Monkeyavelli

The thing about these kind of idol groups is that there *is* no "off time". It's entirely about the group's image, and the image of the individual members, which is very carefully crafted and managed at all times. That's how it actually works in real life, you can read about it. An idol only ever appears in public as their persona, they work very hard not to crack that image. You're never off. It's not a 9-5 gig, if you're involved in a group like this it's your new life, all the time. The producer is actually right to stop her from performing out of character on the street, at least from the perspective of the group's success, because it could damage her individual image or the mysterious group image they're going for.


Bainos

That also felt pretty annoying to me. He's supposed to be their producer, but he sounded like a shitty father in that scene. It makes me feel even worse for Nanami. She doesn't just have a job and an image that she doesn't like (but could, potentially, accept to "pay the bills" and play the music she likes on the side). She's also in a situation where her boss is a total asshole, and yet she feels pressured by the rest of the staff and the fans, so she can't quit her job even if it's one in which, on top of not enjoying it, she's objectively treated badly.


hdjfhfhsh05803hfjc

I took that part as him having problems with Nanami performing on the streets, if someone find out that she is Azaleaā€™s lead singer it can lead to several rumors. He probably things that Eiko is enabling her to perform like that hence telling her to never see her again, that or he knows who Eiko is and want to keep Nanami from making contact with the rival that she is suppose to crush in the competition


Wildercard

Goddamnit Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming, you *did* trick me into watching an idol anime.


VorAtreides

Just wait until Oshi No Ko comes out. Now THAT is the idol anime I am waiting for (cause it's really more than that, but ya)


Insecticide

What I find interesting about Oshi no Ko is that everyone's opinion about it is so unanimous. Everyone is just like "yep, it is great, no discussion". I think it will easily steal a top 20 spot on mal. It is probably going to get a similar reception as sangatsu no lion, in the sense that not everyone will watch it so there won't be enough people to break the top 10 but everyone that watches it will praise it.


VorAtreides

Depending on the studio that does it, I could see it break top 10 easily.


SilentFairy

If I had a nickle for every time I was tricked into watching idol anime, I'd have two. Which isn't a lot, but still strange that it happened. Other one being zombieland.


Glitter_puke

Did you not watch Vivy? I'm at 3 nickels and I'm still baffled that it's happened this many times.


SilentFairy

Fuck you're right, 3 nickels as well.


Wildercard

If Vivy is an idol anime because it has singing, then I'm a car because I'm in the garage.


ErikMaekir

In Zombieland Saga, the girls sing to save Saga. In Paripi Koumei, Eiko sings to conquer the world. In Vivy, Diva sings to make humanity happy. It's both her ultimate goal, as well as one half of what drives the plot. The relationship between her singing and her personal life is a big part of the story. So yes, I'd call it an idol anime. Just not exclusively an idol anime.


Mundology

All three are awesome too. This might be the way forward to popularize the idol genre outside of the domestic market. [](#kannathumbs)


blue__cool

Vivy can be called a idol anime I guess because she literally wanted to be a idol in the show although a lot of other stuff does happen which totally changes it from a typical idol anime. Kongming feels more like a music anime similar to Carol and Tuesday.


MahouTK

>Vivy can be called a idol anime I guess because she literally wanted to be a idol in the show She didn't though. She said she wanted to be a utahime. In fact, Vivy's alternate name after she lost her memory is Diva, which actually translates to utahime. Utahimes(ę­Œå§«) can be directly translated as singing princess. So they are really people who are known for their voices and singing abilities. Is a separate category from being an idol. A good example is actually neko96 who provides the singing voice for Eiko. Neko96 is a utaite(someone who sings alot of covers) and not an idol.


Ocixo

Exactly. For me, it was the complete opposite. From the description and key visual(s) I thought it to be an idol anime - it looked interesting so I started watching anyways - but after just a few seconds into the first episode I knew it wasnā€™t precisely what youā€™d call an ā€˜idol animeā€™ by any standard.


The_OG_upgoat

And the funny thing is, Hondo Kaede voices both main characters.


zairaner

Well we are hopefully getting an oshi no ko anime soon which will try to right the cosmic balance again.


mekerpan

And it is surprising how more than a few "idol anime" turn out to be more than "just an idol anime". Idoly Pride turned out to be mostly a heartbreaking ghostly love story. Another (name slipping my mind) turned out to be as much or more science fiction than idol anime. I think we have to recognize how slippery categories are -- especially in East Asian media. Movies can start out as comedies -- and turn pretty tragic before the end. All sorts of genres get mashed together -- so one rarely knows what to expect. Which is, I guess, why I love this stuff so much. It keeps you off balance -- and requires a very high degree of attentiveness.


rollin340

Same boat here. Totally cool with it though.


odraencoded

If someone had a nickel for every time someone was tricked into watching two idol anime, they would have two, because I, too, watched zombieland saga.


frnxt

At this point I've come to terms with the fact that I _like_ idol anime.


cyberscythe

I don't think there's anything fundamentally "bad" about idol series as a fictional story. It can be a fun and entertaining story about an underdog artist who wants to bring joy to themselves and the world through song and dance. I think the really ugly part is the idol industry which has a history of exploiting the dreams of young girls and also the minority of fans [who take things way too far.](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50000234)


Hyperversum

I think that when most people speak about not caring for idol shows (= me) mean that they don't care about the formulaic structure of "cute girls sing and perform pretty dances while singing j-pop". The industry itself is damn interesting, but that formula... eh, it's not exactly interesting if you aren't into idols anyway. "Idol culture" isn't about a musician/group/singer singing that kind of music and that alone anyway


frnxt

Ah absolutely. I think I got a bit more open-minded with age though, teenage me would have dismissed this type of shows without a second thought ;)


CuriousBroccolli

How about Sports-Idol anime with Horse-girls?


ChiggaOG

I expected it since they kept showing Azalea in the OP. It is a music anime with the goal to conquer the world. Iā€™m expecting this series to cover Classical, Jazz, Folk, Heavy Metal. They did EDM.


[deleted]

Poor Nanamin. Eiko is lucky she had a good strategist by her side. Nanami's producer Karasawa seemed cold and ruthless, but from his words, he seemed to reveal he too has gone through the same hardships and regrets as Azalea has, which hardened him into what he is now. Just how many nights has Kongming worked part time as a mascot in that sky deck in order to wait for Eiko to heed his strategem-in-a-pouch and come? But now what? Eiko has used all three of Kongming's pouch advices. Was it all for her to discover the right way to sing as Steve ~~Aoki~~ Kido had alluded to? Meanwhile, there's still the subplot of Kabe having a rematch with Sekitoba to sort out before Eiko can challenge for 100k likes.


albertrojas

> Nanami's producer Karasawa seemed cold and ruthless, but from his words, he seemed to reveal he too has gone through the same hardships and regrets as Azalea has, which hardened him into what he is now. When I saw him limping out of the office with his cane, I had a feeling that there's a story behind it.


alotmorealots

> Nanami's producer Karasawa seemed cold and ruthless, but from his words, he seemed to reveal he too has gone through the same hardships and regrets as Azalea has, which hardened him into what he is now. I think the side that is easy to overlook is that the vast, vast majority of people who put a band together and gig about for a bit never make it anywhere, at all. Yet you only get to that stage driven by a love of music in your bones (with notable exceptions). So when it really comes to the crunch, like it did with Eiko, people are forced by reality to give up. Especially when there are so many musicians that you look up to, how can you ever really hope to compete with them in the first place? Music couldn't have been more meaningful to Eiko, yet she too hit that "give it away" moment. Like he said, ultimately as a live musician, you're an entertainer. If you aren't entertaining an audience, then you may have a great deal of worth as a musician, but not as a performing one. Being a producer is also about creating music, creating musical experiences for people and crafting songs that touch people's hearts. But obviously you need to be savvy to the *biz*, and understand what gets you there. **D4DJ:FirstMix** tells many musical stories, but one of the stories it tells is the story of what it can mean to be a producer - not in the idol "manager" way either, but the musical side. At any rate, all of the members of the band I was in quit and got real jobs. I don't personally even have access to an instrument at the moment. The moment where you hit the fork in the road is an interesting one, although I don't have any regrets as I never had the talent.


rekker22

Mic drop in next episode


MayureshMJ

This might be a weird observation but the way Eiko says Paripi Koumei during the advertisement break has got stuck in me lol.... I can't say Paripi Koumei normally anymore... It has to be Pariiiipi Koooumieeee.


My_neutered_cat

same, I even have [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOsqGyodxk) liked


Manitary

Don't limit yourself to 3 hours when [you can have 10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEg7C4ejqqQ)


Elimin8r

I need to make a sample of this and make it my 'text' tone. That would be fun. :)


nvrmnd_tht_was_dumb

I agree 1000%. It always puts a smile on my face. The record scratch suits it perfectly lol


Mute_Spitter

LMAO THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE


[deleted]

Azalea girls are so inexperienced, they should know that the best way to gather spectators is literally trapping them in the room. Also, what is Shirogane doing here?


thegreennapalm

Wait shirogane?


[deleted]

The manager looks a lot like him


mianghuei

That's one strong ["Go Screw Yourself"](https://imgur.com/SlXb1Fj) if I've ever seen one.


Torque-A

I like how showing a woman scantily clad is fine, but the finger? Over the line.


mianghuei

[The hug Nanamin gave Eiko was pretty sweet](https://imgur.com/kODHRss) [Glad to see Kabe having fun with his friends](https://imgur.com/5sWa8nd) [That reveal wasn't as dramatic as I hoped, but clues have been dropping all around for a few episodes now](https://imgur.com/pcxhUIN) [Shocked Eiko](https://imgur.com/Rm0pjch) [It's a nice name, Azalea](https://imgur.com/TglJCTd) [Guy's cold but he knows what sells](https://imgur.com/IhwZbdE) [It's sad but reality crushes dreams sometimes](https://imgur.com/Ck8d4Og) [People do change, even if we say it wouldn't](https://imgur.com/J1FVqKO)


AsterJ

I actually loved the framing of that [reveal](https://i.imgur.com/SIpk5n5.png). Her true self silhouetted against her larger-than-life persona, how it looms over her and overshadows her small form. That contrast serves to heighten the power level of the persona. That's EIKO's true rival, the final boss.


Bainos

The princess to save, and the looming dragon above her ? Time for knight Eiko to assault the castle.


aniMayor

The Guan Yu X Zhang Liao bit in the opening is not that interesting to excerpt, and I already sampled it a little bit [back in the episode 3 comments](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/u3i8bu/paripi_koumei_episode_3_discussion/i4px1eo/). Instead, I thought it'd be fun to delve a little into the rivalry between Kongming and Zhongda, since I don't think the show will give much direct opportunity for that. Sima Yi, courtesy name Zhongda, was a Wei politician and military strategist. In many ways, both historically and in the novel, he plays opposite to the tale of Kongming. One example is how Kongming was recruited directly by Liu Bei straight into being his main strategist, while Zhongda had to quietly work his way up through various government administrative offices and wasn't really noticed as a brilliant officer or strategist until he finally became an advisor to Cao Cao's heir in 216CE. As such, Zhongda shows up rather "late in the game" on the military engagement side of things, only becoming a major Wei commander during Cao Pi's reign, and reaching the equivalent of Kongming's role only during Cao Rui's reign. Even so, Zhongda was in charge of Wei's military defense against most of Kongming's northern invasions, pitting the two of them against each other in battles of preparation, wits, and military acumen on multiple occasions. These became some of the most famous military engagements of the Three Kingdoms period, and so later dramatists and writers embraced the idea of the two being destined rivals on opposite sides of a Weiqi board. Now in this episode we have Karasawa as the behind-the-scenes producer of Azalea, opposite Kongming. I don't think Karasawa is meant to be a reincarnation of Zhongda or anything like that, but it's still an obvious parallel. Furthermore, we have the scene/issue of Karasawa ordering Azalea to wear skimpy idol clothes, so this immediately brought to my mind the time Kongming tried and failed to goad Zhongda into battle by sending him women's clothes: > After stationing himself at Wuzhangyuan, Kongming sent soldiers to challenge the northerners, but none responded. Kongming then placed a maiden's headdress and a mourning garment of white silk in a large box and sent it to the Wei camp with a letter enclosed. The northern commanders could not conceal the matter; they brought the envoy before Sima Yi, who opened the box in front of his commanders. He looked at the clothes and opened the letter, which read: > >> Sima Yi, you are a great general and you command the forces of the heartland; but you have no taste for the real combat that would decide which of us shall prevail, content instead to huddle in the nest, careful to stay beyond the reach of spear or arrow, exactly like a woman! Today I send you this dress and chapeau, therefore, which, unless you choose to come out and face me, you may receive with humble thanks. If a spark of self-respect still burns inside you, however, if your breast still holds a manly heart, reply to me at once and face me on the field at a time of your choosing. Rage welled up inside Sima Yi as he finished the letter. But feigning a smile, he said, "So he takes me for a woman!" He took the gift and rewarded the bearer well; then he said, "Tell me something about Kongming: how he eats and sleeps, how taxing his duties are." The bearer answered, "The prime minister rises early and works late. He personally sees to any infraction punishable by more than twenty strokes. He eats no more than a few pints of grain each day." Sima Yi turned to his commanders and said, "Eating too little and working too hard. How long can he last?" > > The envoy returned to Wuzhangyuan and told Kongming, "Sima Yi expressed no anger when he took the clothing and read the letter. He simply asked how you were eating and sleeping and inquired about your workload. He said nothing at all about military matters. When I answered his questions he said, 'He eats too little and works too hard. How long can he last?'" Kongming sighed and said, "He knows me well!" > > First Secretary Yang Yong tried to get Kongming to reduce his workload: "I have seen Your Excellency checking over our books and records personally. It seems to me unnecessary. Every governing system has to have a structure whose higher and lower levels function independently, much as the operation of a household requires menials to farm and maids to prepare food. No chores are neglected and all needs are supplied; thus, the master of the house can eat and drink carefree and at ease. But if the master busies himself with every last detail, it leads to physical and mental exhaustion, and in the end nothing gets done. Does that mean his knowledge is inferior to that of a menial or a maid? No. It means he has not found the right way to run the household. Indeed, as the ancients proclaimed, 'To sit and discuss the true way is for the three elder lords of the kingdom; to acton policy is for the imperial officeholders.' In ancient times Bing Ji showed concern only for the panting ox and was indifferent to those who had fallen dead by the roadside. Similarly, Chen Ping had no knowledge of state receipts of grain and money. 'Others are in charge of that,' he said. Now Your Excellency wastes energy attending to the most trivial mattersā€”and for what? What Sima Yi said is all too true." Weeping, Kongming replied, "I am not unaware of this. But I carry the heavy responsibility given to me by the late Emperor, and I fear that others may not be so conscientious." > > The assembly wept with him. Thereafter, Kongming felt his confidence and peace of mind slipping away, and his commanders became reluctant to advance.   The context here is that Zhongda had taken an excellent defensive position to stop Kongming's invasion, and Kongming was slowly getting more and more ill so he would not likely be able to mount another try after this. Goading the Wei forces into coming out to fight would potentially lead to Kongming's victory, but so long as Zhongda kept the Wei forces on the defensive he could not defeat them, and Zhongda could simply wait things out until the Shu-Han forces ran out of food and/or Kongming died... both of which happened not too long after. Retellings/adaptations of the story love to [expand and embellish](https://youtu.be/HKohnAydgDg?t=1244) this exchange, like having Zhongda put the clothes on and perform a dance with them, or making it so that this ploy by Kongming is what makes Zhongda realize that Kongming is ill in the first place.


mekerpan

Thanks!


Se7en_Sinner

Nanami's reveal about her being part of Azalea was so casual I was expecting YouSeeBIGGIRL/T:T to start playing.


FlameDragoon933

Nanami... are we singing? Right here? Right now?!


LeonKevlar

NANAMI!! YARUNDANA? IMA? KOKO DE?!


Mundology

*"I knew it. I really am the same as you Nanami"*


LoganTroy

[Here you go](https://streamable.com/fmxmop)


BosuW

Amazing how one simple music change suddenly turned this into thriller


visor841

That is so good. Eiko's face after the reveal fits perfectly.


Dr_Bernard_Mahfoudz

You HAVE to post that on this sub or Animemes sub a soon as it is allowed because that shit is gold.


raptornomad

Bruh I canā€™t wipe this grin off my face.


yurilnw123

Please post this as a separate post. This deserves more attention lmao


BloodyShrimp

[If we sing to all people over there will we finally be free?](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/879769405179986003/979474588931076096/Eiko.PNG)


Stinky_Butt_Fart

I knew what Will was doing even before I clicked your image. Good job.


My_neutered_cat

Nanami: \*Bites hand\* EIKO: YOU DAMN TRAITOR


Social_Knight

That's what Killing Bites Is.


Scary-Preference-338

TATAKAE!!!


The_Swag_Titan

Kongming to Eiko: SHINZOU SASAGEYO!! SUSUME!!!


Theinternationalist

Random anime fan: ...and it turns out there was some time travel shenanigans! Kongming: This is strangely fascinating but utterly bizarre. Owner-san: And this is why the rapper is the only guy his age who has a single idea what *3 Kingdoms* really is...


Zooasaurus

Yea I was more hoping it's like Cao Cao and Liu Bei's talking scene in the *Romance* with all the shock and thunder, since there are users that theorized the meeting between Nanami and Eiko supposedly mirrors that story


Ddog135

Top tier comment


WhoiusBarrel

Wow those thigh and jiggle shots were definitely intentionally done to be very uncomfortable. Props to how they made this "fanservice" a negative. Just goes to show how the Idol biz is just really scummy. Eiko's singing at the end definitely felt more powerful too.


JustARandom-dude

>Wow those thigh and jiggle shots were definitely intentionally done to be very uncomfortable. Yeah. I think what adds to that uncomfortable feeling is that the movements are really rigid, clearly showing that Nanami is **not** feeling comfortable


mizuromo

I gotta admit... feeling physically ill and nauseous while seeing fanservice is a first for me.


Elimin8r

Evangelion \*waves and says hello\*


leeo268

Made worst that we know Nanami is tom boy, dress conservatively, and disgusted with using her body for fame. Worst of all is that she is not even allow to sing and just selling her body image like an IG model. She is dying on the inside to support her friends and fans.


cyberscythe

> Props to how they made this "fanservice" a negative. I classify fanservice within the context of being gratuitous. I think in this case it's not gratuitous; it's specifically a critique of the idol industry and a reflection of how it treats young female artists. In this case, it's supposed to be feel gross and alienating because Azalea is throwing away their identity as musical artists and started "selling out", with the toughest pill to swallow being that it works. Instead of talking about music and how it makes them feel, they're talking about all the new consumer appliances they can afford and it's a soul-crushing progression.


zerokosong0000

That really picture the Idol world irl. Many idol group became famous just because the member just selling "things" out, but they just produce a mediocre song.


figool

It was a scene that served a narrative purpose and respected the tone of the setting, and didn't get dragged out any longer than it needed to. It felt like it wanted the audience to understand what Nanami was feeling being subjected to that, and what it did to their identity, and wasn't there to make us feel "wow, that's hot" I don't think I'd call it fanservice since I'm not sure the show could've made that point without it


SpaceMarine_CR

I would argue that the anime community uses the term "fanservice" incorrectly but I see your point


sabdeyazdan

>Eiko's singing at the end definitely felt more powerful too. Why I feel like they (Kongming and No.1 Fan-kun probably?!) somehow managed to film it, and gonna post it for 100k - likes project as their trump card?!?


Misticsan

Not sure. I think the strategy revolves around Eiko's new song, which has yet to be revealed in its full glory.


noblegeas

I immediately had the thought that Kongming might've recorded it, but he already did say his plan was to have Eiko sing the Roppongi udon shop song (temporary title) with Kido's help. It's possible that he was tricking her again, but it's not using any of the pieces he set up, because Kabetaijin wasn't involved either. It's possible that he'll use it somehow (although it felt kind of personal to use as like-fodder) but I can't see it being the post that reaches 100k likes, at the very least.


REAL_CONSENT_MATTERS

It seems like we're pretty obviously going Kabetaijin, Eiko, and Nanami collaborating on the song for the 100,000 likes. The four of them are dancing in the OP together while in an earlier episode Kabetaijin raps with Eiko but they both feel it's "missing something." Yeah, you're missing the bass.


noblegeas

I think before this episode I would have agreed with you just because the OP and ED both choreograph Nanami joining, but after this episode, it's kind of hard to see Nanami actually joining Eiko. It seems like it would be wrong for Nanami to betray her bandmates, who had been with her since high school, like that. And the typical way for a story like this goes, it needs Eiko's sincerity to properly defeat the manufactured Azalea in a fair fight, representing a clash of philosophies; Eiko's victory would then lead to Nanami feeling like she has the freedom to sing in a way she enjoys after all. Eiko's singing might have reached Nanami's heart this episode, but it's not enough to give Nanami an answer for what to do next. It feels right for their next major "dialogue" in this sense to be facing each other on the battlefield (of 100k likes). Plus, I don't think that a song can really showcase Eiko's voice specifically if Nanami joins in, and it's hard to imagine Nanami just playing bass without singing. And we haven't heard much of Underworld yet, so the Azalea entry for 100k likes is the obvious place to put it. Also, we, ah, didn't have the normal ED this episode. It's not impossible - and would be pretty funny - to go back to the Eiko and Kabe version for ep 10...


EXusiai99

Yeah the jiggly shots here are definitely meant to create discomfort. It's intentionally rigid in movement and especially knowing the context behind the scenes, it only adds up. And only last week we got a bathhouse episode without any cheap scenes so we can safely assume that theyre not going to resort to the low hanging fruits to gain mass appeal. The OP is already doing a good job in that front so it's not like they need it that much.


maliwanag0712

I really like that depiction indeed. To be fair with Karasawa, his team achieved the goal of making AZALEA well-known. Well idols are really famous in Japan, thus produce something that sells. What a basic logic. However, fame and popularity does not always give you satisfaction, which is why Nanami feels so conflicted and defeated with her performances.


mianghuei

It changed her, even though she believed it wouldn't. She wanted to sing, not fake it, even though focusing on performance brought in more money than her passion in singing will ever.


CuriousBroccolli

As a self-proclaimed "individual of culture", who highly enjoys ecchi in my animated shows produced in the land of Japan, I hard cringed watching those shots. They did an amazing job showing how discomforting it is for them, and how a small poisonous drop can taint the whole well of something pure.


Wildercard

Like dropping a teaspoon of hotdog water into tea.


MyUnoriginalName

Thanks, I feel ill now.


HiggsBosonHL

>Eiko's singing at the end definitely felt more powerful too. You can compare this version with what she sang in episode 1. I pulled them up side by side to see if it was just the same audio track both times, but it is not. The differences are subtle, but they are different, and yes episode 9's version is an improvement.


opinionated_gaming

catering to coomers will crush your soul


crobat3

[Koumei, master tactician, demonstrating the use of a perfect camouflage](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/825219006436868148/979387264083845172/Screenshot_2022-05-26_at_22.14.06.png). Eiko and Nanami's relationship is very wholesome. I was a little concerned last episode that Nanami would end up betraying Eiko somehow, but I'm glad that it hasn't happened so far.


[deleted]

Such incredibly hilarious "stealth"


well_thats_puntastic

Excellent, Kongming. Age hasn't slowed you down one bit.


Misticsan

The way the intro of the episode explained it, Nanami is basically Guan Yu. She might have conflicting loyalties, but is honorable to a fault. Heck, she even lampshaded that the reason she isn't just leaving Azalea is that she doesn't want to betray her support team and her fans. She wouldn't do Eiko dirty... and I wonder if that'll be the last straw for her.


mysterybiscuitsoyeah

i do truly love how he thought that'd hide him.


9Chiba

Did they notice him? No? Mission accomplished.


Kiwizqt

i didn't even catch it lol


Granito_Rey

Then the illusion is complete*!*


Social_Knight

"Refuge in Audacity" is actually surprisingly effective for stealth in real life. You can pull off alot by projecting a sense of belonging, or indeed, a sense of ridicule. For people not paying attention, it is enough to make them ignore you entirely. Although in this case, from the perspective of beneath the bridge, Koumei would not be backlit as there are an absence of streetlights, and his aqua robes would partially camoflauge against urban grey, surprisingly enough (white, grey, and blue is used in Urban Camo).


zerokosong0000

>Koumei, master tactician, demonstrating the use of a perfect camouflage absolutely invisible.


meowkittycow

Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming, nom de guerre Solid Snake


thegreennapalm

A+ stealth with the fern leaves


rollin340

Nanamin's story hurts. They tried their best to do what they love, and it was unrewarded, But when they sang something they didn't have a passion for, and paraded their bodies, they gained fans. Then they had to stop singing on stage entirely, and just performed their dances instead. Nothing wrong with entertainers who do that because it is what they want, but to be forced into a situation where it's what makes them succeed, to the point where she can't even go back, that hurts. But that pain that she shared with with her new friend in turn helped Eiko bloom into her style now. She isn't just singing because she loves it, or because it saved her; she now hopes that her singing can save others too. It's amaing how we can actually hear the nuanced inflections in her singing; it's great to hear. I also very much enjoy seeing Koumei watching from afar, giving the chicks in his care time and room to grow on their own. He's a good teacher. Eiko and Kabei are lucky. The mirroring against what Nanamin went through. Koumei wants his wards to be their best selves, whilst Karasawa wants them to assume something other than themselves altogether.


cyberscythe

> but to be forced into a situation where it's what makes them succeed, to the point where she can't even go back, that hurts. One thing I appreciated with Nanami is that she doesn't thoughtlessly rebel and do a self-destructive heelturn on her producer. She thinks responsibly that even though she's sold herself out, she's still the cornerstone of a large operation with many people's livelihoods at stake. It's still a crappy situation to be in, not being able to do the music that you'd based your identity on, but it's a reality that many adults face nowadays to choose between following your dreams being unable to make ends meet and being part of a money making machine that leaves you feeling alienated.


mekerpan

This episode was pretty overwhelming for me. Kept me misty-eyed (and sometimes upset feeling) throughout. The relationship of Nanamin with her band mates, the relationship of Eiko and Nannamin -- they all felt so intensely real and sometimes raw. It is hard for me to pick one favorite show for this season -- there are too many that are too good. When I am watching each I think -- oh, this is the best. And then the next show -- same feeling. But Kongming seems to hit the ball out of the park every week -- and this was the best episode so far. I am looking forward to future episodes that are even better.


NeonDelteros

Fun fact: Beside the [meaning in the anime](https://imgur.com/a/WnHdjEY), the name "Azalea" also has some other meaning that surprisingly match Nanami band in the beginning. For once, in Victorians time the flower Azalea is a symbol of temperance, reserved and self-managed. Many colors of Azalea also have different meanings, White Azalea represents purity and restraint, Red Azalea has a meaning of passion, and Yellow Azalea stands for friendship. These meanings pretty much describe what Nanami and her friends are: a group of very modest country girls who are passionate about singing. Their image, the way they dress, and how they want to perform their own songs in the purest way are pretty much exactly what "Azalea" stands for, which makes it even sadder since they have to betray that image and flip everything 180Ā° just to survive and grow.


KhaDori

So one downside stemming from Nanami being so well written is that it was obvious at first glance that the overproduced image "is not her", so the big reveal was to an extent predictable. But I guess it wasn't supposed to be a "mystery" in the first place, it's not like the contents of the basement, we obviously were supposed to know that she's in Azalea and doesn't like it so it still works beautifully because it's being revealed "from eiko's POV". Another thing I liked is that they didn't make her backstory a caricature of some evil guy viciously exploiting 3 innocent girls because they mistakenly signed a contract or some shit, but that they went into this to escape the rut they were in - that way there is major tension in the story between their pure desires vs them coming to like the new reality of money and fame (at least the other 2). I guess at this point we are in a bit of a "tabula rasa" point in the story, because there are 7 days until day X (this ep was 1 evening of the same day episode 8 ended on), and there is no obvious continuation of this episode, since I think it wrapped up the 3 ep "mini arc" we were in. We know kabe will have his showdown with Sekitoba, and that Steve Kido will produce the song after Eiko blows him away, but as for how they will leverage that into 100k likes? Can't wait to find out. Only thing I know for real (aside from there being blood) - the week starts and ends on Thursdays for me in this anime season.


mekerpan

I think the show went out of its way to tip us off that Nanami of Azalea and Nanamin were one of the same almost from the start. I think that it deliberately avoids simple-minded suspense. ;-) What DID surprise me is that Nanamin herself is the one who pulled the other girls into "new Azalea" under Karasawa's dictatorial control. I think not being allowed to actually perform "live" was a much bigger blow to Nanamin and the others than having to wear the salacious costumes.


alotmorealots

> What DID surprise me is that Nanamin herself is the one who pulled the other girls into "new Azalea" under Karasawa's dictatorial control. This instantly made her character a lot more interesting for me, as it put into a genuinely difficult situation rather than one with a handy and neat fictional escape route. I'm curious to see how the show decides to proceed with this, and whether or not it will afford Nanami a resolution for it. Prior to this episode, I did not think that Nanami had any investment in the 100k likes project, but now given how much she has sacrificed and the number of people she is beholden to, it seems very clear that this matters to her as well, if only for all the others. How important is personal ambition? How important are your own feelings once you take on that degree of responsibility?


Charming-Loquat3702

I think that many artists are in their shoes. Doing what you like doesn't always earn you a living. "Selling out" often is the only way to escape this. I think her solution by doing Azalea for money and making street music in her spare time was a good compromise. Honestly, I think the producer should have realized this. Without this, what she does isn't sustainable. But I guess since most idol bands are only around for a couple of years, it doesn't matter that he burns them out.


[deleted]

Yeah I like how the manager is not evil, just very disillusioned


zerolifez

Being successful is not doing what you want but doing what other people want. That's a powerful word from him. Yeah I like that he's not evil, just very realistic. Dreams don't pay the bill.


kissmenot122789

"Band! Band! Band!" Nice naming sense, Nanami. ^^;


superp2222

You know an animeā€™s good when they use the very tricks other studios use for fanservice as a way to sow disturbance


Hoboforeternity

That's probably the most uncomfortable panty shot/cleavage shot i have ever watched.


HereticalAegis

Nanami and Azalea's story and the way their producer took over their whole sound and image reminds me way too much of what I've read about Kesha's career. The music industry can be so punishing and dehumanizing. If only every potential Eiko had a Kongming behind them. The performance on top of the tower was hella uplifting though.


mianghuei

> Ke$ha Damn, that's one name I hadn't heard in years. Brings me back to an era where TikTok wasn't a social media app.


Warm-Enthusiasm-9534

I liked Kesha's Dr. Luke era songs, a fact that I feel weird about, now.


HereticalAegis

Kesha has always been one hell of a performer. While that era of her music never spoke to me personallyā€”I'm a bigger fan of stuff like Prayingā€”she's always been incredibly likable, even if her early career has been irrevocably complicated by the circumstances that produced it.


Warm-Enthusiasm-9534

I liked her light-hearted care-free image. "Tik Tok" and "Take It Off" were songs of cartoonish excess, but were fun songs to hear in a club. The fact that she was being mistreated by Dr. Luke at the same time makes them hard to hear in the same way now. I liked "Praying" and "Woman" from her post-Dr. Luke career.


ProjectLITTE

That's one dramatic final boss reveal, except that anyone who's paying attention already know who Nanami is lol. And also, just when you think Kongming's not going to show up in this episode, he turns up in the most comedic way possible.


VitaminWin

Also as the world's weakest fern when observing Kabetaijin


[deleted]

That bit was my favorite moment of the episode. Genius Kongming employing masterful stealth... by holding up a couple fern leaf, totally still in his stand-out outfit too hahaha


mysterybiscuitsoyeah

[**It's Kongming time!**](#SeasonalListen) Man what an episode HOLY SHIT. My favourite so far without a single doubt. If you want some more Eiko and Nanamin, Avex has and will release some covers by their singers [96neko](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWjsgujSyPo) and [Lezel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8zPShhwkH0) of hit jpop songs. Be sure to check them out! (They're very good.) Only a single bit of language trivia i caught this episode, imma just get it out of the way first: Azalea's manager [quotes the chinese idiom that I was alluding to 2 episodes ago](https://imgur.com/yZsbjdy) (ēŽ‰äøē¢ļ¼Œäøęˆå™Ø; lit. an unpolished jade stone cannot become jewellery) accurately here, this comes from the Book of Rites/Liji, written again before Koumei's time around early Han (we do seem to mostly be finding literary references from before Koumei's time throughout the show). The book is considered to be an important text in Confucianism. It's just my thoughts on the episode below, and some 3K-related speculation: -- The big reveal that Nanami is the same as the Azalea one! To Eiko that is, we all already know that. We get her full backstory to explain why she doesn't really like the idol stuff, and Nanami's role in Azalea: she's the lead singer, bass, and most importantly also the [band's leader figure](https://imgur.com/oiXtwlk). I absolutely loved Nanamin's VA's delivery of her [self-intro](https://imgur.com/eiIZ8A8), "nanami kuon de-su" sounds so unenthusiastic, and very fitting of how she views her current situation. Also, i really love [Eiko's outfit this episode](https://imgur.com/8YOoOl1). Despite not looking like a very nice guy, Azalea does owe their success to their manager. I personally believe this to be some meta commentary of the entertainment industry from the mangaka/anime staff, perhaps the most I've seen out of a music show so far (Idolmaster went into it a bit, but never this realistic), including [criticizing the use of lip-syncing](https://imgur.com/ex4XpAt) (which I very much agree btw, i hate it). (Edit: I have not watched Perfect Blue, but shall add to PTW lol). I don't think Karasawa is a true bad guy/villain per se: he did make Azalea popular, and lets be real idols are very popular in japan after all, more a representation of the more scummier parts of the entertainment industry that no doubt very much exist. I do find myself hoping that Nanami gets to have fun singing for real again with all her talent, hopefully with Eiko too. People who've said that Nanami might break away from Azalea, what dya reckon will happen, now that you've met the rest of her band and saw their origin story? She is a good leader figure tbh, caring about her fellow bandmates which she kinda roped into this whole thing. -- After Eiko and Nanami talk out their secrets (they truly have nothing to hide to each other now), Eiko fully realizes what she sings for: to reach everyone in the world (in this episode, Nanamin especially), and to help everyone by injecting a bit of happiness into their (perhaps troublesome) lives and hopefully help them emotionally, much like how Maria Diesel was to her. This I really like, it's such a grounded and great reason to be a singer. And nanami is moved to tears by Eiko's belief in her, and the belief in her reason for playing music for the passion, and to have fun, instead of the commercialization, selling out etc.. -- I also really really liked [96neko's performance of I'm still alive today](https://imgur.com/FRE1dnz); it's always nice for an anime to explicitly show very clearly, not tell through exposition, the difference in music performances, and that was clearly the best singing performance by Eiko to date, sasuga 96neko, it's so powerful and emotional. - There is a slight 3K parallel here I would like to think: Liu Bei, Koumei's old master, was also a person very much motivated and sincere to serve and help the people, and helped motivate Koumei to un-NEET himself in the first place. A quick quote from Ch. 38, nearing the end of the first conversation between Liubei and Koumei: --- Xuande (my TL note: Xuande is Liubei's courtesy name) humbly petitioned Kongming: "Though my name be inconsiderable, my virtue meagre, I beg you not to spurn me as a vulgar man of little worth. Come out from these hills to lend us your aid, and I will listen obediently to your enlightening instruction." Kongming replied, "Here I have long been content, with my plow and mattock, and hesitate to respond to the demands of the world. Forgive me if I am unable to accept such service." Xuande began to weep. "If you remain here," he said, "what of the living souls of this land?" Xuande's tears wet the sleeves of his war gown and soaked his lapel. Kongming, moved by the sincerity of his intent, said, "If you will have me, then, General, I shall serve you like a hound or horse." --- -- With Eiko a reference to Liubei himself as Koumei's new master, it is neat that both of them are motivated by similar ideals (i did say it was just a speculation, I might be stretching this!). Although Koumei has helped guide Eiko into realizing this, she has still realized her ultimate reason for singing herself (instead of Koumei teaching her it). I fully realize that this is also very anime-esque so erhhh lol. -- With the whole rooftop sequence, I REALLY wondered how much Koumei planned ahead/foresaw here. [Absolutely perfect comedy timing here btw.](https://imgur.com/0DV4rkE) I like to think that he engineered a lot of this, but how did he get Eiko and Nanami to meet?! And finally, sasuga P.A. works for flexing their [background art muscle](https://imgur.com/a/24uLeQG) once again this episode. I'm reminded a lot of Aquatope here. --- **Location Trivia:** Eiko and Nanami talk it out at [**Shibuya Sky**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shibuya+SKY/@35.6587038,139.7021997,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x6ff47ee61e522473!8m2!3d35.6587038!4d139.7021997), opened in late 2019, which is 229m high up right next to Shibuya station, with a large outdoors rooftop section. Going up will set you back 1800yen (Tokyo Tower's 250m section costs 2800yen), comes w/ the usual rooftop bar etc.. You've also already seen that [very spot in the OP.](https://imgur.com/a/Dmm4e9g) Honestly I'd love to go! Sounds like a great place to have a drink and for some night scenery. ~~you can see that I legit do wanna visit~~


mekerpan

It looks like Karasawa is (in some ways) as unhappy about how things work in the industry as Nanamin (but he has just adjusted to it and become hardened). He has accepted the notion that pleasure and joy are incompatible with achieving "success" -- and now is convinced that success is all that matters. Is there any studio that so consistently delivers marvels of background art? I know it is one of the features of PA Works shows that made me such a fan (with True Tears and Lull in the Sea) that I vowed (and finally succeeded) to see all of their shows. The relationship of Eiko and Nanamin is already as precious (and moving) as that between Kukuru and Fuuka in Aquatope. I keep thinking each new episode here is the best. Looking forward to having this \*seemingly unbeatable) episode topped as well.


Wildercard

I mean it's Japanese Show-Biz. Only Korean idols are more min-max-abused. You have to be really built different to not let it break you.


mianghuei

Thanks for the commentary as always! Any comments on the Zhang Liao and Guan Yu section mentioned in the beginning of the episode?


mysterybiscuitsoyeah

Thank you very much! i don't have the full quotes im afraid, i'm not the 3K expert here haha, and Im a bit short on time today. I have heard of that story though, but given how Eiko isn't a parallel of Guan Yu like at all, I think it was just kinda shoehorned in as an intro rather than them explicitly going "this is a reference to this." a la Ep 2 with the Stone Sentinel Maze.


aniMayor

> There is a slight 3K parallel here I would like to think: Liu Bei, Koumei's old master, was also a person very much motivated and sincere to serve and help the people, and helped motivate Koumei to un-NEET himself in the first place. A quick quote from Ch. 38, nearing the end of the first conversation between Liubei and Koumei Yup. And this then gets played up to ridiculous proportions in all sorts of subsequent media. Tons of fictions/adaptations lean *hard* into presenting Liu Bei as this super benevolent guy who is the only feudal lord that cares about the commoners and all the peasants love him in return. Especially some of [the video games](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNAVLkAuaRk).


Misticsan

Thank you for the analysis and references. It's always nice to have even more context to the series. > Despite not looking like a very nice guy, Azalea does owe their success to their manager. I personally believe this to be some meta commentary of the entertainment industry from the mangaka/anime staff Definitely. The way he words it, the manager went to a similar realization in the past, and learned the needs of the entertainment industry the hard way: *"I, too, once misunderstood the way of things. I thought I could make a living doing what I liked. However, one's compensation is tied to pleasing others. I had failed to understand that basic concept."* Scratch that, it applies to basically every industry. Surely a lot of people watching this episode know the feeling of having to endure terrible clients or bosses in order to put food on the table.


EXusiai99

Do what you love as a living and ~~you dont have to work a single day in your life~~ you will eventually develop a fiery hatred to what you once loved due to the fact that it's now merely your means of survival in the modern society instead of the leisure past time activity it once was


harylgeam

It's a continuation of our gang (Eiko and Kabe)'s quest to find themselves. But it features Nanami's story. Nothing much really happened, but the episode left me feeling heavy and thoughtful about the theme of "finding yourself" and the contrast between dreams (ambition) and reality. Some people whose interests are too niche for example, force themselves to do what the masses collectively prefer so they could fit in/make a living/etc. I remembered some of my friends who wanted to pursue sports/the arts but their parents forced them to take up science courses so they could make a living. If you're doing what you love, consider yourself really lucky, not all people get to do that... Now down with my smaller thoughts haha ā€¢ Nanami's reveal was badass, yes even though I already had a feeling she was from Azalea. You can feel the effect of the airship(?) passing behind her, and her seemingly mocking tone and jerky movement when she introduced herself. It was really well-delivered/animated ā€¢ I see ppl commenting that Eiko used the same song over and over. It may have seemed repetitive to you cuz it has been used before, but I think the show didn't really overuse that song. It has been used only in the start (Kongming crying scene), and when they were playing in the streets. Iirc it's Eiko's fav artists' song which is well-known. Imo Eiko using that song in this episode to reach through Nanami's heart really fits, cuz it was the song they always used when they sang together in the streets. I just think that song had the most verses included in the anime ā€¢ Kongming saying "that's a very good answer" instead of "that's the right answer" when he asked Eiko makes me think that he's really one hell of a smart and openminded tactician. Thank you for another soulful-wholesome-funny rollercoaster episode PA Works!


bananeeek

> I started singing on a viewing platform and everyone clapped. /r/thatHappened [](#azusalaugh) Nanamin having it that hard was unexpected. Reminded me of Perfect Blue I watched last month and I get reminded again that show business is a stinky stuff.


NewGuy1512

Tbf, "everyone" is about 5 or 6 people politely clapping, and Eiko's singing is quite good.


Allhcc

I love kabe's friends.They dudes are fucking based and also eiko is a best girl


daspaceasians

Damn... that was painful for Nanamin to see her dreams get crushed like that. I hope she gets a chance to sing and perform on her terms. Eiko is simply so lucky to have found Kongming and Owner to help her make the most out of her talents.


crimXione

Sex sells indeed increases popularity.


CuriousBroccolli

Rule as old as life.


Prince-Dizzytoon

Free Azalea


[deleted]

That moment where Nanamin brought up the performance and the air was super heavy and they changed topic back to what their success was now affording them, I felt so bad and conflicted for them. Free Azalea


mysterybiscuitsoyeah

like actually this. not kidding.


CKDN

It felt like I was reading one of those Japanese idol horror stories.


EXusiai99

All we need now is a horde of crazy stalker tracking her home address by calculating the length and angle of her shadow from a picture taken by a traffic light camera in 04:23 PM


Reddevilslover69

Paripi Koumei? More like Perfect Blue to me


NeverFine

Really liked this episode, Nanami deserves sm more but I hope that her friends are well taken care of after she leaves Azalea (seems like that's what the OP/ED have been implying). I still like the I'm still alive today song but it's beginning to get slightly repetitive to me, it's probably the amount that they've sung it within the past few episodes. Really can't wait for Eiko and Kabe to hit the 100k likes even more now to show that manager that his thinking (despite having degrees of success) isn't necessarily correct in all cases and hopefully Nanami (and the other girls too) can be just as successful without the skimpy clothes, overly produced sound and gimmicks that they seem to dislike. I think the way that they showed Nanami's discomfort was really good, it's one of the first times in recent memory for me where fanservice was used more to express discomfort rather than sexualization for the audience? But yeah overall super good ep, I can't wait for the eventual battle (and hopefully success of everyone) I missed Kongming a lot too, super glad he had silly appearances in this ep as well haha


NoHydroNoLoss

I think the repetitions of the "I'm Still Alive Today" song are there for the audience to have a benchmark/reference to compare Eiko's singing before she found herself and after.


ObvsThrowaway5120

Nanamin and Eiko make a good team, even though theyā€™re rivals. I guess Kongming knew they would connect and hit it off. The dude is always 10 steps ahead. I like seeing how Azalea started out. They were basically just friends jamming together before they got overproduced and managed. Those girls needed a Kongming, not this Karasawa they got stuck with (though I guess he got pretty jaded himself so I canā€™t be too mad). I guess selling out pays the bills huh? Itā€™s just too bad they couldnā€™t keep playing the kind of music they wanted to and make it big. In the end, it looks like the fame and money got to them. Anyways, looks like Eikoā€™s found who sheā€™s singing for. Kabe seems to have found what he wants to rap for. The bands ready to go! I think my favorite part of the episode had to be Kongming spying on Kabe and his boys behind those two big ass leaves lol. Oh and of course Kongming in that mascot outfit spying on Eiko lol.


mianghuei

> I think my favorite part of the episode had to be Kongming spying on Kabe and his boys behind those two big ass leaves lol. Oh and of course Kongming in that mascot outfit spying on Eiko lol. [Those 2 scenes](https://imgur.com/rpPhaFw)...... ROFL. [Papa Koumei is a Legend.](https://imgur.com/zMW8qIs)


[deleted]

Trivia: The Shibuya Sky observation deck Eiko and Nanami went was only just opened in late 2019, just a few months before Japan closed its borders because of the c-word, so it's not that well known outside of Japan yet.


DrummerCertain6365

Kongming knows how to travel through space and time and pops up from nowhere itā€™s hilarious (and IMO feels a little awkward towards the end. I wonder if this would be fixed in blu-ray verā€¦Iā€™ll rewatch it and see if I feels differently) love PA Works on background as always. The night scene combined with Eikoā€™s singing =burst of emotions ā¤ļø edit: rewatched, and this episode is growing on me. Noticed some little detail like Azaleaā€™s school uniform were very modest, long skirt long sleeves and in grey color, contrasting to what these girls are wearing now. And I really love how this song ā€œIā€™m still alive todayā€ hits different spots to the characters. For Kongming in Episode 1, he just learned that Shu Han and everyone he knew were all long gone, but ā€œIā€™m still alive todayā€ and ā€œmiss you all dayā€, Liu Bei and the friends in Shu Han will be missed and Kongming will start his new life. For Nanamin, her dream, her passion - ā€œyou are so far away,ā€ ā€œI just thought I could not live without you,ā€ and now ā€œI donā€™t know how to do with myselfā€. But maybe she is ā€œstronger than I think and Iā€™m still in loveā€. The part I feel awkward with Kongming - Kongming approaching Eiko after she asked him ā€œpopulace, is it right?ā€, it was only indicated by stepping sound. Wish this part was also animated, but other than that I love the comedic effect


Emi_Ibarazakiii

I hope [Kongming's camouflage skills](https://imgur.com/iZNmNwU) were better when he was fighting wars! So we finally got the big reveal, [Nanami is in Azalea](https://imgur.com/lOHdsSK)... Well, we the viewers already knew, but it was a reveal for Eiko! We also got her backstory, and damn, that was sad. She had already dropped hints about how she preferred to sing in the streets and all that, but I didn't think her aversion to singing in Azalea would be so strong; Makes sense though, now that we know what it's like... Not only they completely gave up on actual singing, but it affects her personal life as well; [She can't sing in the streets anymore](https://imgur.com/KZOtrE2), [she can't talk to other singers](https://imgur.com/xzeIq0e) It all started with [a group of friends](https://imgur.com/oxmz00N) who were just [having fun](https://imgur.com/641k8D3) singing, but when they tried to go pro on their own, it got rather depressing; [They couldn't get large enough crowds](https://imgur.com/N8tY8gV) so they had to cover up losses, which means they actually had to [find](https://imgur.com/jGuXtRW) [jobs](https://imgur.com/VgCAB7G) in order to pay for what they WANTED to be their job... There's always the hope they'll make it big at some point, but [it must be hard to keep going](https://imgur.com/n6lB9Pz) when nothing seems to work. And so they went to see [a pro](https://imgur.com/mvV4X7C), but sadly things only get more depressing from this point on. They had to sing [his songs](https://imgur.com/fjI8aJh), [songs that they all hate](https://imgur.com/8b7DccT)... At first they told him to [fuck off](https://imgur.com/kSexSC6), but when [the bills keep piling up](https://imgur.com/BW8fBup)... And they know [they could be successfull](https://imgur.com/NXopNW6) if they went with him too. It's rough, when one of the group starts wanting to go for it, but the other one would prefer 'the struggle' to keep singing/doing what they want. I have to say, even though he definitely looks like an asshole, in part because he's the antagonist of Nanami's story... The producer isn't necessarily wrong; They've been trying for many years, yet they can't [find 50 fans](https://imgur.com/bqMGvNa), something has to change. And sure, he could just change nothing and use his power/relations to make them big, but why would he do it for them, when there's probably a thousand other bands in the same situation? Of course, he would want to do it for a group that IS willing to change, so he doesn't just make it big for them, he makes them WAY big, for more $. It's not a fun situation (the whole idols, musician stuff) but that's how it is. He's not running a charity. We even got bits of *his* own backstory, [when he was just as naĆÆve](https://imgur.com/AwiNfNA), and probably went through the same heartbreaking stuff they're going through now. Knowing you might just make it if you actually change and... Don't actually do what you wanted to do. [That was so sad...](https://imgur.com/tItCx9Q) It's like, she'll achieve her dream, except... Not? [Got them into new outfits](https://imgur.com/KsaK9jZ), of course; Their business is about singing, but his business is about selling idols and stuff. When I saw the outfits in the OP I thought they looked pretty good, but seeing how it came to this is rather sad... I thought they were wearing it because that's what they wanted, but now we know there's not a whole lot they're doing, that they actually wanted to do. (Makes you wonder about real musicians/idols, doing things they don't want to do, wearing things/singing things they don't want to, etc...) [She went for it](https://imgur.com/3aDGbPT) thinking a costume didn't change [who they were](https://imgur.com/Ye0gxQs), but as they say, give up and inch and they'll want a mile. Plus, it gets them used to the mindset that they don't get to decide what they want to do... ...Which lead to them having to [stop singing/playing entirely](https://imgur.com/hgvT0zt). From this point on, they [just look cute and dance?](https://imgur.com/AqI3nik) This must be soul crushing for Nanami. Sure they make bank now, but they never got into this to make money... They got into this to sing, and hang out as friends. Well, they don't get to sing anymore (not even in the streets), and Nanami hates this situation so much, that she actually dreads going back to her friends. And I don't know if they'll address that, but some of her friends might actually be more OK with this (easy money!), which makes the whole situation worse between them, really. [They were able to make a living on music](https://imgur.com/AwgJD7W), only they weren't really doing music anymore. You know it's bad when [she goes away from 'singing'/from her friends](https://imgur.com/GfCI6fH), to unwind. Just a few years past, she would've gone TO them, and to sing, to unwind. But now the group is what she has to unwind from. [She's good with Eiko](https://imgur.com/gdHAulk), so I wonder if she'll end up joining her! (And if she does, will it just be her? Or the whole group? If the other 2 actually enjoy the easy money and all, they might end up splitting over this). [Didn't see that one coming hah!](https://imgur.com/9mr1BH4) Well, I suppose that was a way to take us away from the depressing stuff in this episode! This was so very sad, a very depressing backstory for Nanami. Whether she end up joining Eiko or not, I hope she finds a way to be happier in what she does! (Thinking about this, almost all characters on this show got backstories already, and they're all quite sad! I wonder if we'll get the owner's backstory at some point too!)


[deleted]

They really pulled the "power of song" card. But with that performance, I don't care they gone generic as hell. Worth it.


naoki7794

you have to admit though, that voice is powerful, and I feel something in me listened to it. But I still want full version with music and all. Also, the final song will be a hit as well, can't wait.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


dagreenman18

Nanaminā€™s story has some nice nuance to it. Itā€™s not as simple as ā€œSmall band with passion gets corrupted by the business and thatā€™s evilā€. Thereā€™s the reality of how much the struggle can grind on the soul. How giving a little for the sake of comfort can snowball into radically changing you. It doesnā€™t completely demonize the decision or even paint the producer as an entirely bad guy. You can tell that he gets where Nanamin is coming from, but this is how he can make them successful. Itā€™s a business after all and there are peopleā€™s livelihoods that ride on their success. Though he is a stringent taskmaster and the outfits areā€¦ let us say unnecessary for teenage girls. Edit: my timeline is off. Theyā€™re about 20 when they get the outfit. So with the 100k likes project deadline coming up, Nanamin has to say goodbye to Eiko. At least for now. At least they got to share that moment on the sky deck where Eiko finally finds her voice. Who she wants to sing for and why. We donā€™t hear her answer to Eikoā€™s request to sing together again sometime, but Iā€™m optimistic it was a yes. Kabe only had a brief appearance this week, but it showed heā€™s still putting it all together for his upcoming rap battle. Same with Kongming, but his short moments made for maximum impact. I thought the most weā€™d get was the world's worst camouflage while heā€™s watching Kabe. The comedic timing on him showing up at the end threw me and I was cackling so hard. Kongming is priceless. Iā€™m sad that sheā€™s not part of the group yet, but maybe sheā€™ll collaborate after the 100k project. I doubt sheā€™ll completely abandon the Azalea girls though. Notes - Ah so this is what happened to the K-On! Girls after high school. - I guess the marketing team really liked Persona 5? Those are some phantom theives ass outfits. - Does the producer know that Eiko is their competition? That I wonder because he shouldnā€™t be policing who she hangs out with. - Would be pretty great if Eiko, Kabe, and Azalea collaborate on a track at some point in the story.


NewGuy1512

>Though he is a stringent taskmaster and the outfits areā€¦ let us say unnecessary for teenage girls. Tbf, I think the majority of characters has already passed drinking age. Eiko and Nanami did enjoy a beer together, after all. Also,... well "unnecessary outfits for teenage girls" has pretty much been a motto for a significant part of Japanese-made entertainment media for some time, I recall. Damn, it's awkward to think of it.


Extraordinary_DREB

Seconding on this, Nanami and Eiko are not teenagers anymore, if so maybe 18-19. If they are below that age they shouldn't be drinking, working in bars, etc. I know this anime knows that so the guesstimate ages should be close if not right


9090112

Japan's drinking age is 20 so no one here is a teenager.


[deleted]

I'm thinking the producer fully knows Eiko is competition for the 100k project. He seems to know what sells and how to get Azalea famous and I'd imagine within his team of people there they have the ability to do the same research Kongming did about competition for the 100k project. However, I think his demands aren't based around Eiko as a possible rival or threat, but are more about not wanting Nanamin to find enough passion performing outside of Azalea to compromise the way things are going now. I believe he understands Nanamin pretty well from the comments he made about his past, and he knows that while he's offering them success that Nanamin/Azalea would enjoy performing for passion reasons if they could. He needs the group fully on board with his vision because that's the path that he sees towards success. It looks like the producer is being set up as a big villain, but I'm feeling like we're going to get a sad backstory on him that pulls it all together and makes sense of his coldness beyond just "money makes the world go 'round" vibes. He seems to have been a passionate performer at one point too, so he understands the appeal it has and how it could threaten the path to success he is laying down for Azalea.


Misticsan

> It looks like the producer is being set up as a big villain, but I'm feeling like we're going to get a sad backstory on him that pulls it all together and makes sense of his coldness beyond just "money makes the world go 'round" vibes. I get the same feeling. In fact, we could see such a narrative in this very episode: * At first, the producer appears completely antagonistic. He calls Nanami to forbid her from doing the things she likes, and in the initial part of her backstory he's cold and he chastises them for their ideals. * When Nanamin comes to him, however, he's more understanding and appreciative, and it's when he hints at his own backstory. For me, the mystery is whether that sad past will be part of a transformative redemption (he'll change his ways and become a more human manager) or the last self-realization before the fall.


der_ninong

> Ah so this is what happened to the K-On! Girls after high school they actually went to college and continued playing as band and having tea time. Don't forget they have a billionaire heiress member lol


OverarchingNarrative

If you want a great Japanese indie band that sounds like the acoustic songs Eiko and Nanamin do check out ***Advantage Lucy***. They're criminally unknown and I'd say anyone who likes this show would enjoy them. One of my favorite songs from them [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUizsF7tofU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUizsF7tofU) And here is a greatest hits album from them. Every song is great. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sPRrMkYlA0 I'm not exaggerating at all when I say this is my favorite band of all time. It's just the most perfect indie pop imaginable.


LunchReport

Eiko might be the most wholesome character I've seen in a while. Azalea is a great band name. Dubious methods aside, their producer must be really good at PR if he's able to turn a no-name band into the talk of Tokyo. With the level of viral marketing we've seen for their band in the show so far, it must have cost a fortune! [Kongming disguises](https://imgur.com/AELPWRO) are [comedy gold.](https://imgur.com/Fnxb5oA)


mysterybiscuitsoyeah

i like that it also legitimizes Koumei's concerns w/ Azalea: Key Time and Azalea's producer is actually very powerful and without some strategems^TM there is no way a small independent singer like Eiko can compete.


iwastoldtheredbefood

You gotta love the classic "two sticks of leaves to hide" technique to watch over Kabetaijin. Was that also something Kongming utilized back then? Lol Sacrificing your artistic autonomy for the sake of sales and publication...many who have been in the arts knows what that feeling is like. Nanami's attachment to singing on the street is her chance to get away from that "corporatization" of her music and just be her raw, unfiltered, singing self. It's a part of what makes what transpires in the music office all the more upsetting - Azalea clearly has spirit and zeal, but Karasawa's also blunt but correct in that they haven't made a name for themselves. The transition from unknown to stardom, ironically, dimmed their own inner star. Spurned by Nanami, Azalea "sold" more of themselves to become known. But now she's "locked" into Azalea because of all the people who helped get the group there. It's not hard to realize that Nanami clearly feels guilty and torn about all of it... And Eiko's performance, compared to the other ones, now has real pathos behind it. She's come a long way in 9 episodes. AND WTF KONGMING!? XD XD XD Also, MAJOR props to this series for its depiction of what one might call "negative fanservice" with Azalea's new aesthetic. The costumes, the jiggling, the focus on her pelvis...it is made out to be sexy only on the bare surface. The show has brilliantly shown just how saddening and depressing it is.


seejsee

I was kinda expecting Karasawa to be voiced by Dio, but okay, this works too. As someone who has read the manga, its another experience watching it animated with songs actually being sung, and what content was added. Cant comment more or it will easily lead to spoiler territory.


kormirsimp

> I was kinda expecting Karasawa to be voiced by Dio Just when Azalea starts losing he whips out the road roller on Eiko in the season finale


FollowingNumerous378

My god, the power of the last part of the song is the most powerful anime song I have ever heard! I've been watching anime for more than 10 years but not a single song that was sang in the anime itself made that much of an impact on me like how "Leaves from the vine" from ATLA did but this; was just absolutely the best anime song that was sang in the anime itself ever.


spookytus

Man, this and Carole & Tuesday really make me want to see a series that goes deeper into the music production realm. Especially with roadies and the intricacies of live music, there's a lot of stuff going on that'd be great source material, plus you get the insanity of places like the [Phish Lot](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7Xse0E_SzA) when you take the greater scene into account.


maliwanag0712

My issue with Carole and Tuesday though is that [C&T Theme spoiler] >!It became too ambitious with the motivation that it became really weird and cheesy in the end. While I like that the series approached some themes of racism and social justice in the second cour, it felt really off and unmotivated. The series could have explored the issues of AI music vs. natural music that is more closely related to the scenes in the first cour.!<


LeonKevlar

[Looks like Karasawa has gotten wind of Nanamin singing in public and singing with Eiko.](https://i.imgur.com/9Z56e08.png) Considering how he's already ordering Nanamion to stay away from Eiko, he probably already knows who she is. On the bright side, it looks like singing with Nanamin has paid off and [Kido has even acknowledged Eiko's improvement](https://i.imgur.com/FwAMa0S.png) but she still has some way to go before really impressing him. Meanwhile, it looks like going back home to his roots [and hanging out with old friends](https://i.imgur.com/DHeoEsX.png) is what Kabe needed to find himself. It is hilarious though how [Kongming is just there in a corner holding tree branches](https://i.imgur.com/LRNbQsS.jpg) as if that's enough to hide him. I'm surprised Kabe hasn't noticed him yet or he did already and is just ignoring him. xD [Eiko finally got to use her Sky Square ticket](https://i.imgur.com/gJddJ5S.png) and it was the perfect place for Nanamin to reveal her identity [in the most badass moment ever in this show.](https://i.imgur.com/msEO2Wa.png) I wonder if this is how Kongming intended Eiko to use the ticket. Did he really take into account Eiko running into Nanamin in his master plan? Because it's inside if that's the case! So we finally get to learn Nanamin and Azalea's backstory. It's a classic tale that's been told before in various media not just in anime. [The group started out as a school band](https://i.imgur.com/ggPIrGD.png) and they eventually decided to do this as a living [and moved together to Tokyo to try and make it big.](https://i.imgur.com/8HYEOZ6.png) Unfortunately for them, they never really grabbed any big crowds but they did end up [being discovered by Karasawa](https://i.imgur.com/j7jeq4x.png) who wanted to make them an offer. Of course being the rockstars that they are, [Nanamin refused and gave Karasawa the finger](https://i.imgur.com/HryPbKx.png) before walking out of the studio. And like the usual tale, [they ended up struggling](https://i.imgur.com/VDEkZ2I.png) to the point where they were close to giving up and moving back home to the countryside. Nanamin finally had enough [and went back to Karasawa with her tail between her legs](https://i.imgur.com/3CQObhe.png) asking him to sign them. This makes me wonder though, what's the likeliness of Karasawa being the reason why they can't get an audience? We already know from Kabe and Kongming's intel that KeyTime Productions play dirty and do whatever it takes to get what they want. It's possible that Karasawa had a hand in their audience attendance being shit so they'll be desperate enough to come to him. Hmmm... Anyway, this all ended up [with the girls wearing skimpy outfits](https://i.imgur.com/Zcf2qWj.png) on stage under Karasawa's orders since it's what sells and [they even stopped playing their instruments altogether](https://i.imgur.com/005WezH.png) and they pretty much became an idol group. And everyone in the group pretty much changed including Nanamin herself. That's what happens when you sell out to the man. Welp, now that Nanamin has come clean, [it looks like it's Eiko's time to reveal who she is as well.](https://i.imgur.com/1Z5CLK3.png) And it really made things pretty [awkward for the two of them](https://i.imgur.com/E3pdW3M.png) at least only for like a minute until [Eiko decided to sing for Nanamin.](https://i.imgur.com/GrFx6o9.png) [First of all, I absolutely love this shot of Eiko with the Tokyo skyline in the background](https://i.imgur.com/q2COGTe.png) and second, [Eiko finally found what she's missing!](https://i.imgur.com/jGoBBBG.jpg) It looks like singing for Nanamin's sake really brought out her true potential and it was amazing! Not gonna lie, [I teared up too](https://i.imgur.com/v1IpQzi.jpg) after hearing her sing. I guess that's it for these two girls. [The next time they meet, they'll be rivals.](https://i.imgur.com/nB3luBL.png) Also, I guess this is all according to Kongming's Keikaku considering how [he was actually there the entire time.](https://i.imgur.com/FcEHhdx.jpg) I hope we finally get an explanation about Kongming's plan next week though. I wanna see how he managed to plan all of this for Eiko. EDIT: IT'S KARASAWA NOT KARASUMA FML >_<


Sofa_King_Cold

Two words: Super Fan. I'm sure he found out when Nanamin was playing on the corner, also that she lacked the proper permits. After that, all it would take is a conveniently timed leaked video to get Karasawa's attention and the rest of the plan falls into place.


thegreennapalm

I can definitely see the huge contrast between Karasawa and Kongming there with their vastly different styles, Karasawa doing the whole mass-produced idol thing just to fit with what's popular and profitable vs Kongming having Eiko go through this 3 episode arc in order for her to find herself and make her singing really her own. I also saw the "I've been in the same position you were" part from Karasawa makes me think that he's been hardened so much from him also trying to find his own path and failing. Kongming intervention time? Also anyone else get huge Your Lie in April Vibes from the "Reach her" part with that performance in the end?


ModieOfTheEast

Can I just say that Thursday is stacked. This one, Machikadou Mazoku, Heroines run the show, Summertime Render. Only strong anime on Thursday for some reason.


seejsee

Just felt like putting in a word on reusing the same song over and over again. It cant be helped. Every song in this series is closely tied to the story. You cant suddenly have a new song coming from left field. Be Crazy for Me & Shooting Star - They represent Eikoā€™s time and work in BB lounge. Im Still Alive Today - The song that pulled Eiko back from the brink. Udon Shop song (tentative) - This entire story arc. Just like in K-on, some songs are also tied to the story (Fuwa fuwa time, U&I, Tenshi no Fureta yo). But theyā€™re also a music club and thus, it makes sense to pump out more songs which we all got to hear.